Peter Vincent

It's not official yet, but speculation is mounting that the Rolling Stones are about to include Australian dates in their much anticipated 50 & Counting world tour announcement, which could come as early as Easter.

Industry website themusic.com.au claims "multiple sources" have confirmed that Australian tour dates are currently being discussed and would be handled by promoter Paul Dainty.

Dainty together with the Virgin Group, under the banner Virgin Live, organised the Stones' 50th anniversary mini-tour last year, which earned $38.69 million over just three shows.

Virgin Live however lost out to AEG Live on the deal to promote the Stones' 2013 North American tour, Billboard.com reported, leading to speculation here the Stones might not make it Down Under this year after all.

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But a Stones world tour is usually just that: a truly global event that has encompassed Australia in the past, regardless of the toll on its aging members. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards both turn 70 this year, while Charlie Watts turns 72 and Ronnie Woods 66.

The band last toured Australia in 2006 (playing only in Sydney and Melbourne) on their A Bigger Bang world tour, which included 147 shows and made $558 million profit.

They played eight times in Australia on their 2003 Licks tour.

Rollingstone.com recently reported its sources have confirmed an 18-date North American tour, beginning May 2.

Themusic.com.au noted that AEG has interests in several major music arenas, such as Allphones Arena in Sydney, the Brisbane Entertainment Centre and Perth Arena, which could point to possible venues for Australian shows.

That said, if anyone could fill 80,000-plus seater stadiums like ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Melbourne's Showgrounds or MCG, it would be the Stones.

19 comments

Oh Lord, please make it so!

Commenter

Sly

Location

Melb

Date and time

March 27, 2013, 1:23PM

Yes please!!!!!!!

Commenter

Nincompoop

Date and time

March 27, 2013, 1:45PM

How many times does their super need a top-up? Give it up already Stones, your live shows are laughable now. Would be so much better if they played smaller intimate shows but I guess the large (high in feedback and echooooo) outdoor "corporate" concerts help to cover up their muscianship.

Commenter

Sommy

Location

Sydney

Date and time

March 27, 2013, 2:05PM

@Sommy You couldn't be further from the truth. Stones shows always rock. Brilliantly produced and performed. Never heard feedback or echo in the 7 shows I've seen live. Perhaps you should go to one and experience it in person!

Commenter

Sly

Location

Melbourne

Date and time

March 27, 2013, 2:27PM

Bad musicianship? I think you've been taking a bit too much of what Keith has given up Sommy!

Commenter

Fan

Date and time

March 27, 2013, 3:45PM

Clearly as much as their fans want them. However I'm sure they'll pay full attention to your requests and act accordingly.

Commenter

russtyfox

Location

Date and time

March 27, 2013, 4:26PM

I actually think they're still quite decent. They're having a good time, and the fans and blow-ins love it, so why begrudge them?

Commenter

gf

Location

Date and time

March 27, 2013, 6:42PM

Guess you went and saw Ellen on her tour!

Commenter

Cundalini

Date and time

March 27, 2013, 10:12PM

@Sommy plus the Stones do continue to play small intimate shows. Immediately after announcing the recent shows in England and the US they played a tiny venue in Paris. A little knowledge goes a long way.

Commenter

Sly

Location

Melbourne

Date and time

March 27, 2013, 2:37PM

No points for guessing what songs they will be playing and which order they will be playing them in. Such a pity that a band, once so creative, have become a parody of what they once were. Then again, after Mick Taylor left the music did really die. Also, can anyone tell me why the base player is not part of the band, like Bill was?